SOAP 12/23/2016; Luke 4:42

Today's reading: John 15, 16, 17, 18*

S) "⁴² When day came, Jesus left and went to a secluded place; and the crowds were searching for Him, and came to Him and tried to keep Him from going away from them."

Luke 4:42 (NASB)
*This verse was highlighted before I kept these entries online, so I wrote a new entry

O) This is, by no means, the only example we have of Jesus going to be alone - whether to pray or rest. However, what I did notice about this particular passage, is that leading up to it almost gives the impression that Jesus was up all night ministering. That kind of work almost demands the seclusion that Jesus was seeking. Not to be truly alone, I think, but to be alone with His Father in heaven. Even so, the needy people would not be denied, and they found Him still. That in itself, seems like kind of a fulfillment of the words of Jesus, when He said that those who seek will find.

A) Passages like this one remind me of how Jesus' time on earth was completely and totally mission-based. He had purpose for His presence, and He was going to fulfill it. Certainly, Jesus did it to perfection, but it's a reminder to me that I also have a purpose. No one will ever minister 100% of the time, perfectly, with complete humility and focus, the way Jesus did. However, there should be a progression at work in my life, that I would become more and more like Jesus. My time is not my own. On the other hand, even if I am willing to serve tirelessly, all night, after serving others for a long stretch of time, I must seek to have alone time with God. In many other ways, too, God doesn't just want my obedience, He wants relationship with me. I want to serve Him, and do His work, but I also just want to be with Him.

P) Father, I am so blessed to have a relationship with You. I want very much, to do Your will, to work the good works You prepared for me. I want to be an obedient servant, and honor Your name. I also don't want to sin, Lord. Please, lead me not into temptation but deliver me from the evil one. At the same time, I also just want to be with You, Father. Help me to stay focused on You, and to keep my mind on the things above, and not the things here on earth, in front of my eyes. Help me to see and hear, what You are trying to reveal to me. Lead me to make time, devoted to You, just spending time in Your presence. Help me to pursue what You want me to pursue. Let Your will be done in my life, and on earth as it is in heaven. Let Your kingdom come. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/17/2016; Revelation 22:8-9

Today's reading: Ezekiel 42, 43, 44; Revelation 22

 S) "⁸ I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things. ⁹ But he *said to me, 'Do not do that. I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brethren the prophets and of those who heed the words of this book. Worship God.'"

Revelation 22:8-9 (NASB)

O) John, by the end of the visions he had seen, must have been fairly overwhelmed. With all of the supernatural activities, the swing from plagues to promises, it's not really that hard to understand why he would have been tempted to worship at the feet of this angel. In fact, this wasn't even the first time he was tempted in this way (see Revelation 19:10). However, this angel was quick to rebuke John, reminding him to worship God alone. The angel also gives some definition to his role as an angel (that he is a fellow servant), and also some definition to what it means to be of the brethren (that we heed the words of God, and also that we serve one another).

A) First, this is a warning to me to not exalt fellow servants of God. I must be careful not to take an attitude of admiration beyond those bounds, where I may actually be closer to worshiping a fellow servant. Second, and equally important, is that I must never allow others to esteem me to such a degree, either, that it would become sin for them and me, both. The best way for me to really keep this kind of humility and right-minded view, is for me to be committed to worshiping God alone, and doing so often. That's the only safeguard against idolatry, and the only safeguard against pride.

P) Father, You alone are to be praised. I confess that I have wrongfully worshiped things and people. This can still be a temptation, still be a struggle for me, when I let my guard down. When I take my eyes off of You, I am woefully prone to exalting things in my heart that have no place there. But, I want to worship You alone. I want to redirect others, too. I don't just want to deflect compliments, but I want to reflect Your glory. Help me to be bold, and vocal, about praising You when others see anything good in me. Help me to plainly refer them to Your goodness, so that anything resembling admiration for me, might become worship of You. All of this to Your glory alone, Lord God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/13/2016; Revelation 18:20

Today's reading: Ezekiel 33, 34, 35; Revelation 18

S) "²⁰ Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced judgment for you against her."

Revelation 18:20 (NASB)

O) We're coming close to the end of this narrative, and eventually the end of everything. In this chapter, the identity of Babylon is not clear. Opinions over the millennia have varied, but when we read through vv.2-5, it is very clear that her destruction is not something to lament. Having said that, wicked men lamented her destruction, because of the personal loss it meant to them. However, the voice from heaven warns the people of God to get out of the city, lest they participate in her sins and receive her judgment as well. Those who lamented this destruction, were the merchants who were yoked to her in wickedness. However, we are also warned, as Christians, not to be unevenly yoked, because wickedness and righteousness have nothing to do with each other. God's people were warned to distance themselves from this city, because of the overwhelming temptations to participate in her sins. Finally, when God's judgment was executed, the wording is very specific. The judgment God pronounced was for His people, against the wicked city. Our Father in heaven does not want us to be drawn into sins. Jesus said that stumbling blocks would come, but woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes! (Matthew 18:7). So, when God executes His righteous judgment against such men, those who are placing stumbling blocks that cause others to fall, then His judgment is also on behalf of those who have stumbled on account of the wickedness of others.

A) Recently, I learned of a term I hadn't known, although the concept isn't necessarily new. The word is "imprecatory," and it was used to describe psalms in the Old Testament, where men like David would ask for God's wrath and judgment to come upon their enemies. As a Christian, as a man who has been forgiven so much, it can be difficult to grapple with these type of psalms. Similarly, the verse above comes across as an instruction. The angel of God clearly says to rejoice over the destruction of people - people who need Jesus. The reality, though, is that there have always been, and there will continue to be, those who simply will not repent and believe. Whether or not they are even able, is some cause for debate. However, whether they "can" or not doesn't change the fact, the reality, that there are millions upon millions who will not repent from their evil deeds. When I think about specific things, like the sex trafficking industry, or the creation of illegal drugs, or I think of brutality in the name of greed, these are unspeakably unjust. However, they are not hypothetical problems, but hey have real, living and breathing, people who are driving these evil things forward. There would be no prostitutes if there were no johns, but how many less would there be if there were no pimps? There would be no cocaine if there were no users, but how much less would there be if there were no cartels? There would be no sweat shops if there were no consumers, but how many less would there be if there were no evil business owners? The problems of these kinds of evils are very complex, but I cannot escape the realization that there are real lives involved, not only the victims' lives, but the lives of the people who are propagating these kinds of wickedness. As much as I desire, just as my Father does, for none to perish, but for all to come to repentance, the reality is that it will not happen. There will continue to be myriads who will choose to continue in their sins, and continue to draw others to join them in their sins, even if they are confronted with the truth of the gospel, the reality of God's love, and the free offer for salvation by putting their lives in submission to Jesus as King. So, what then? Admittedly, I have a very hard time accepting this, emotionally. The one comfort I really have, is that it is not up to me to decide. I don't have to try and figure out if a person will never repent. I don't have to determine if there is still hope for them or not. God is perfect. I trust that and believe it completely. He sees the hearts of men. He declares the end from the beginning. He, and only He, is perfectly able and just to judge. The real issue at hand, is that there is wickedness happening. I hope and pray, that the solution for ending that evil, more often than not, will be that the perpetrators of wickedness will repent and turn to Jesus as Lord. But, if they won't do that, I still want evil to end. I still want my children to not fall over a stumbling block that someone put before them. I still want there to be an end to immorality. And so, I will rejoice when God ends it. I hope and pray that it ends because they embrace the gospel. But, I will also choose to rejoice in the destruction of evil, trusting that God has perfect judgment, even if I lament that there was no other way. I can mourn the loss of people, while still rejoicing that their evil deeds have finally ceased with God's final judgment.

P) Father God, I trust You in every way. I am so grateful that I receive Your mercy. I confess that I still need forgiveness every single day. I am still in need of Your patience and the blood of Jesus for justification. Thank You for my open eyes and ears, that I know and have accepted the gospel. I don't know all the ways Your grace is at work in me, but I know that it is at work in me. Father God, I pray that same grace will work in the lives of those who do not know You. Save them all, Lord! My heart is like Yours, and I don't desire for anyone to die in their sins. Open eyes to see and ears to hear. Soften hearts to the gospel, Lord. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, and save every single one who will accept Your lordship. Bring into Your kingdom, all who will enter. I trust that You are at work in this way, Lord. Let me be obedient as a worker, as a citizen of Your kingdom. Put me to work, Father God. Let my heart forever be soft in this way, Lord. I pray that my heart is never hardened toward those who do not know You, and especially not toward those who die in their sins. It is a terrifying thing to fall guilty into the hands of the Living God. Let me do nothing, but mourn the loss of people, created in Your image, who die without repenting of their evil ways. However, may I never lose sight of the fact that Your judgment is perfect, and Your judgment of the evils of this world are for my sake. You judge wickedness for the sake of Your children, and for the sake of my children. Thank You, Lord God, that You do not let evil deeds go unpunished. In Jesus Christ, that punishment has been taken for me, and for everyone who will submit to Your lordship. But, to those who will not allow that Jesus takes their punishment, they will by no means go unpunished. You will remove those who place stumbling blocks. I am grateful to You, for being a righteous judge, perfect in timing, able to see the hearts of men with clarity, and who does not miss any evil deeds done on the earth. Everything is seen by You, Lord God Almighty. Let Your will be done, and may my heart remain soft. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/11/2016; Daniel 2:17

Today's reading: Daniel 1, 2; Revelation 16

S) "¹⁷ Then Daniel went to his house and informed his friends, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, about the matter."

Daniel 2:17 (NASB)

O) Daniel and his friends were among the first exiles into Babylon. They were taken, specifically, to be retrained in Babylonian culture, to serve Nebuchadnezzar. That was a three year process, and then some time after they had officially entered service in their new role, their new king had an alarming dream. To authenticate the interpretation of his dream, the king commanded that the wise men who served him must first tell him what he dreamt. Because they could not, and he believed they were stalling in order to conspire with each other about how they might answer, he instead elected to simply kill all of his wise men (spiritual advisors, astrologers, etc.). When the captain of the king's bodyguard came to arrest and execute Daniel, he replied with discretion and discernment (v.14). After buying just a little bit of time, Daniel's next step was to call in some back up. He didn't panic, or fight, or flee. He got together with his friends, the men who had been with him since the exile. He had already seen these men stand with him, when they elected not to eat the king's portion (chapter 1). They got together and they sought the LORD, and they worshiped God, and they asked for His compassion and guidance.

A) There are many things from Daniel's life, that serve as blueprints for how to live a godly, devoted, faithful life. In this small snapshot, the part that jumped out to me immediately, was his dependence on his friends. Here was a man, taken from his family, from his home, from everything he knew. He connected with three other men through a common struggle, a common faithfulness, and a common God. After some time working together, living together, and learning together, when a life and death situation arose, he knew right where to go. He knew immediately, who it was that would seek God with him. I am apart from my family. I am apart from my home, from the people and places I knew. I need to get myself more connected with some men here. I should exercise some amount of patience, because I know that strong, godly relationships take time, but they also take intentional investment. I don't want to go to church week in and week out, and just worship a little, hear a message, and then return home with just my wife and kids. I need to seek some men who can grow with me. I need to foster some relationships, find some men who have some common experiences, who take their faithfulness to God as seriously as I do. I need to connect to some men who also call Jesus their Lord. Then, as we grow together, and I learn to call them brothers, then when calamity strikes I will know where to go. I will know the men who will pray and seek God with me, who will ask for His compassion in my life, who will worship Him for what He has done for us.

P) Father, thank You for answering my prayer, and bringing me to Montana. Thank You for hastening the days to get my family here with me. They are only a week away, now, and it's starting to feel real. Thank You for blessing me, and keeping me, and getting me this far. Father God, I need some brothers here. I need some men on whom I can depend, to lift me up in prayer, to seek Your will with me. I need to be that man to some other men, too. Father God, please prepare these relationships for me; prepare encounters with brothers and sisters, that Kristin and I can begin to build those relationships that You intend with Your family, with Your children. I want to be a solid, dependable, loving brother, and I need that in my life, too. Let Your will be done here, as in heaven. Let me find and build these relationships, that they would honor You and glorify Your Son. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/10/2016; Revelation 15:3-4

Today's reading: Lamentations 3, 4, 5; Revelation 15

S) "³ And they *sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying,

'Great and marvelous are Your works,
O Lord God, the Almighty;
Righteous and true are Your ways,
King of the nations!
⁴ 'Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name?
For You alone are holy;
For all the nations will come and worship before You,
For Your righteous acts have been revealed.'"

Revelation 15:3-4 (NASB)

O) The singers in this passage are those who overcame the beast, his image, and the number of his name. That is to say, they were victorious over that tribulation. The details of that victory aren't really given. We know that not taking the number of the beast would certainly make grocery shopping difficult (see Revelation 13:16-17), but that could be some measure of symbolism. It could be something like a boycott, a social ostracism like the Jews saw in Germany. It could be quite literal, too. In either case, without a doubt they overcame the same way that the devil was defeated, by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony (see Revelation 12:11). Exactly what they overcame, or even when this victory song is taken up, is not why I highlighted this passage, though. In chapters 5 and 14, there are myriads singing new songs to God. That term "new song" is also used once in Isaiah, and several times in Psalms. Contemporarily, I hear that phrase used a lot. It seems a very popular thing to do, lately, to encourage a "new song" to God. But in this passage, we see something quite different from that. These who were victorious, they sing "the song of the Lamb" which appears to be the rest of v.3, and the beginning of v.4, but they also sing "the song of Moses," which is the end of v.4, the last two lines. This brings to light an important lesson that shouldn't be lost. New is not always better. We serve the Ancient of Days, and He has never changed. He has never needed to become new. Our worship of God must be true, and if it includes a new song, that is just fine. If it includes a song that is three thousand years old, as long as it is true worship, then that is also perfectly good worship.

A) There are times when I become obsessed with new. Materialism and capitalism are built around the concept that new is better. But, even with less tangible things, I can sometimes get tricked into thinking that new is better. A new method of doing something, a new tradition, a new worship song. That's really where this verse hit me. Sometimes, new worship songs can feel fresh and exciting. The unfamiliar lyrics can help draw my focus to God, really paying attention to what I'm singing, since I can't recite the words by rote. The new music can be exciting. However, I don't want worship to be about me. Traditional songs, hymns, even a Psalm taken straight from the Bible, these should be given as much value as any new song, so long as the lyrics are true and I am singing them to God in truth. I don't want to become bored with worship, just because it's "old" to me. In reality, I need to keep myself humble, and remember that worship is not about my feelings. Feeling the emotional connection between me and God, while I worship Him, is always nice. However, worship is not about me. I must remain humble and committed, devoted in my singing, to worship and praise Him because of who He is, not because of how I feel about the song. He deserves more than my good feelings.

P) Father God, You are holy. You are mighty, sovereign, true, unchanging, full of lovingkindness, compassionate, patient, righteous, and perfect. Your judgments are final. Your wrath is unbearable. Your love is complete. Your wisdom is unsearchable. Your mercy is complete. You are eternal, ever-present, and all-powerful. You are personal. Who am I, that You would desire to relate to me? Who am I, that You would be pleased to know me? Thank You for the communion we have in Your Son. Thank You for the mercy I receive by the blood of Jesus Christ. Thank You for promises I have, for the blessing it is, for the love You have lavished on me, to call me Your child. You deserve all this worship and more. You deserve every part of my life devoted to You. Let my lips sing Your praises all the days of my life. Even to my very last breath, let me worship You in spirit and in truth. Father, I confess that my attitude in worship is not always what it should be. Too often, I get distracted by the music and the words, and thinking about the song for the sake of the song. I don't want that, Lord God. Help me to focus properly, to be mindful of why I worship. Help me to focus on who You are, what You've done, and who I am in Jesus Christ. Let me be intent with my thoughts, with my words, to focus on thanksgiving. I pray that You find a humble servant, when I worship You. Let me bow my heart before You, singing both new songs and old. Let my worship to You be found as a sweet aroma before You, a sweet gift from Your child. I pray that my worship is pleasing to You, whether it is traditional or contemporary, whether it is an old stand by or a new favorite. I just want my worship to be true and to please You. Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations! Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; For all the nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed. I love You, Father God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/09/2016; Revelation 14:3-5

Today's reading: Lamentations 1, 2; Obadiah 1; Revelation 14

S) "³ And they *sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one could learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand who had been purchased from the earth. ⁴ These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they have kept themselves chaste. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These have been purchased from among men as first fruits to God and to the Lamb. ⁵ And no lie was found in their mouth; they are blameless."

Revelation 14:3-5 (NASB)

O) Like most passages in Revelation, we must understand that there are, actually, a few ways to interpret the book as a whole. Whether the majority of its prophecies have already been fulfilled, or they actually point to an "End Times" can vary tremendously. In this case, I'm not sure it actually matters, because the sovereignty of God on display is the same, whether this occurred in the first century, or it will occur centuries from now. This is not the first appearance of this multitude. Earlier, in Chapter 7, they were sealed on the head as bond-servants to God, to be protected from tribulation. Now in this chapter, they are said to have the name of the Father and Lamb (being Jesus) on their heads. This is noteworthy, because the previous chapter ended with the warning about the mark of the beast being on the foreheads (and hands) in order that they might be able to buy and sell. In both of these groups, we see a symbolism in this mark on the forehead (and/or hand), because this is one of the ways that the Romans marked their slaves (or "bond-servant" as many recent English translations have the word). These 144,000 were said to be the slaves of God, and now we see they bear His name on their heads. This is in contrast to the people who take the mark of the beast (implying an allegiance, debt, or slavery to him). With all this context in place, we come to the scene, seeing this multitude of faithful Christians (because they follow the Lamb, which is what disciples do, which is what Christians actually are) taking up wondrous worship to God, which is unique to them. Now, whether or not their are other Christians in this scene, in the world, is also not explained. However, this 144,00 is described as remarkably faithful. They are said to be chaste, but that seems very likely to be symbolically telling of their faithfulness to God, more than their physical sexuality. No lie is found in their mouths, which could be talking about them simply being honest, or it could also be more idiomatic. Honesty, in this way, was often representative of moral purity in general. When Ezekiel says he was a man of unclean lips, from a people of unclean lips, he seemed to be speaking of impurity more broadly. Also, when Jesus met Nathanael, he was called, "an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!" Again, this could have simply meant he was extraordinarily honest, but it seems to carry with it a broader implication. And, the last line of v.5 certainly makes it clear that these people are blameless. Finally, and perhaps the most telling of the descriptions of this group, is that they are said to be purchased from among men as the first fruits to God and the Lamb. Now, this term is clearly symbolic, but it's not unique to this book. In fact, it appears several times in the New Testament, and it either refers to Jesus Himself, or to the church (see James 1:18 especially). So, this 144,000 seems most likely to me, to refer to the early church. This would set this whole period (at least from ch.7 through ch.14) in the time period of the early church.

A) The more I read through Revelation, trying to read it for what it says within itself, the more I wonder how much of it may already have come to pass. Having said that, I don't have a strong desire to be decided about it. If it does indeed refer to the past, then this passage is inspiring me to be like that early church, faithfully wed to the Bridegroom. I want to follow the Lamb wherever He goes. Even if I'm not counted among the first fruits to God, I want to keep lies from my lips, and remain blameless (I say "remain" because Jesus makes me blameless by justification, taking away the guilt of my sins before my Father in heaven). If, however, this multitude has not yet been revealed on earth, then I still want to be like them! It doesn't change the fact that this group, whoever they were/are, remain exemplary in their walk with Jesus. That is exactly who I want to be, exemplary in my walk with Jesus, and one day worshiping before His throne.

P) Father, You are worthy to be praised. This multitude, they are right to sing a new song before Your throne. Lord, I don't pretend to know all the mysteries of John's revelation, but this passage is clear, that I must remain a faithful disciple. I must remain loyal, unwavering in following Jesus. I must remain honest and blameless. I confess, that in terms of exemplary disciples, I have a long way to go. But I want to grow and mature in my relationship with You, God. Help me to be more like these, who are the first fruits. Let my life be for Your glory, God. I only want Your will to be done, that I would be a servant who pleases my Master. To You be all praise and glory forever. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/05/2016; Revelation 10:10-11

Today's reading: Ezekiel 25, 26, 27, 28; Revelation 10

S) "¹⁰ I took the little book out of the angel’s hand and ate it, and in my mouth it was sweet as honey; and when I had eaten it, my stomach was made bitter. ¹¹ And they *said to me, 'You must prophesy again concerning many peoples and nations and tongues and kings.'"

Revelation 10:10-11 (NASB)

O) The imagery of eating a scroll from God is actually seen in another place in the Bible, in Ezekiel 3, where the prophet also described his eaten scroll as sweet as honey. In both instances, they were given prophecy about future events, not only for themselves to know, but they were told to go speak those prophecies to the people and their leaders. In John's case, there is also the added bitterness. The Bible doesn't expressly tell us why it turned bitter, but there are a few logical possibilities. For one thing, most people want to know the future, and so hearing about future events would initially be exciting and good, but when John heard about the great calamity upon the earth, it would have become grievous knowledge to him. Another possibility is that it was his call to prophesy, specifically, that made it bitter. That is, like Jeremiah with the word of God burning his bones within him, it's possible this reference to the book becoming bitter in his stomach is an image of him needing to expel it from within, needing to get it out. That is, with the words bitter in his stomach it made him want to spit the words out.

A) In either case, I must pair knowledge with obedience. If I am not willing to do what God says to me, then why should I expect Him to speak to me at all? I suppose any devoted Christian would feel this way, but I would love to hear God speak things to me. I have certainly felt Him lead me in certain things, certain decisions over the course of my life. The more certain I have been that it was Him directing me, the more joyful it was, the sweeter it was, to be in communication with my Lord. However, I don't want to chase "a word from God" when I have over a thousand pages of words from God. The Bible itself, being the certain words of God, should be just as sweet for me to eat. Like Jesus repeated, I do not live on bread alone, but on the very words of God. Even with just what's in the Bible (and that's a little bit of an underwhelming description, because it is vast in its content), that is a heavy responsibility of knowledge that must be followed by obedience. There is a great deal in the Bible that is indeed sweet to take in. It is full of promise, comfort, peace, and joy. At the same time, there is still a lot to make my stomach bitter. There are a lot of hard truths for those who are still rebelling against the King they won't acknowledge. That knowledge, those words, those are bitter to my stomach, knowing that I do have some responsibility to speak the truth about some very hard topics to some people that I love, in many cases, love dearly. But, like John, I must be fully committed to obedience, to repeat the things God has spoken, the truths that will not change whether or not I speak them. I suppose the important thing is, to never leave the bitter by itself, but to present it with the sweet. I don't want to rebuke without encouragement. I don't want to warn without giving hope. I don't want to talk about judgment without also talking about mercy. I don't want to talk about righteousness without also talking about grace. There is a lot about God's words that can be bittersweet, but when we are in Christ, every bitterness can be taken away, and we can experience only that sweetness of His communion. That is what I want to share. In the end, that is what I want people to take in, the sweetness of Jesus Christ.

P) Father, thank You for the words You spoke, for the preservation of the Bible. Thank You for the sweetness of Scriptures, Lord. In Your grace, You tell us of Your peace, love, compassion, mercy, and hope. Your lovingkindness is sweeter than honey. But I confess, that Your judgment can be bitter to my soul, Lord. I humbly confess that You are totally, completely, and utterly perfect in Your judgments, in Your sovereignty. But, as a limited creature, I am not always able to see things clearly, Lord. I am heartbroken by the knowledge that some people I love will die in their sins, never having been brought into proper communion with You, God. I know this also breaks Your heart, so I will continue to pray that they all come to repentance, that they all would come to a full and right knowledge of You, trusting and following Jesus Christ as their Lord. Father, You have opened my eyes and ears, to see and hear Your will. It is more than enough to have the Bible, to know what You have spoken that it records. Help me to be faithful with that knowledge, Father God. Let the bitter parts of Your words, the parts that are hard for be to digest, let those words in me be a motivation to speak the truth to people about what their future holds apart from You. However, don't let me ever stop there. I pray that I am always given the opportunity to also speak of Your great sweetness, Lord God. To share all of the promises, the comfort, the relationship that You provide. You take the bitter and You turn it sweet. You redeem and restore. You heal and give purpose. You open ears and then You speak. You open eyes and then You reveal. Thank You for Your sweet words, Lord. And also thank You for the bitter ones. I will gladly take them both, Father. Thank You for speaking to us. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, and let me be obedient with the knowledge You have given me. All this to Your glory. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 08/29/2016; Revelation 3:19

Today's reading: Ezekiel 4, 5, 6, 7; Revelation 3

S) "¹⁹ Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent."

Revelation 3:19 (NASB)

O) Jesus had just rebuked the church of Laodicea pretty strongly. Verse 16 is pretty famous, about how the church had become lukewarm. Verse 17 actually speaks to me a lot, given my history (I wrote an entry about it back on 12/27/2011). So, in light of the admonishment, the above words from Jesus hold particular value; this reminder of His love and discipline, this command to be zealous and repent, could not have been given in a better context. God wants us in a right relationship with Him, because that is the place where we will have life. He wants this because of His love for us. This is the reason we must repent when we are apathetic about our faith. This is the reason they were told to be zealous, because they had become indifferent about serving the Lord. This is why they needed to repent, to turn back to Him. Over and over, through the Old Testament, God disciplined His people in the hopes that they would repent. He would reprove their infidelity in order that they might become a people zealous for His name again. This didn't happen very often, and only a remnant would repent and remain faithful. We don't know the historic result of the church of Laodicea.

A) Given the way I feel connected to v.17, I also feel a strong connection to v.19, here. I love the Lord, and as His servant I must invite the discipline and reproof of Jesus. This is the only reliable way to be sure that I am walking according to His ways. Certainly, I should seek to be accountable with other Christians; mutual ministry and godly relationships are a wonderful gift for me to be able to recognize where sin has blinded me and a log may be in my eye. Still, even more than trusting godly relationships to help me see straight, I really need God to heal and open my eyes when I need correction (see v.18). The key to this is humility and a willingness to ask God to do whatever it takes to help me be fully obedient and submitted to His lordship over me.

P) Father, You are worthy of my allegiance. Not only did You create me in the first place, but You also redeemed my life when it was lost. You paid a precious price to bring my spirit to life with Christ. Because of that, I submit myself to Your authority, fully. I invite Your discipline, Father God. I trust that Your reproof and discipline are borne from Your love for me. Kindle the fire within me, Lord. Let a zeal come forth in me, that I would repent of my laziness, selfishness, apathy, and indifference. I know that I am easily fooled into thinking I am secure in this world, or even in Your kingdom, to the point that I am lackadaisical. This is an attitude not worthy of Your name. This is not who I want to become ever again. I don't want to slip into a lukewarm faith. So Father God, I ask for this discipline and reproof, and I pray that it brings about zeal and repentance in my life. All of this to Your glory, Lord. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 08/26/2016; 3 John 5-8

Today's reading: Jeremiah 50, 51; 3 John

S) "⁵ Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever you accomplish for the brethren, and especially when they are strangers; ⁶ and they have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. ⁷ For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. ⁸ Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth."

3 John 5-8 (NASB)

O) John is making the point that supporting missionary work is participating in it. By missionary work, I don't only mean going to a foreign land of some kind, spreading the gospel and doing community work - all of which are very good and need support. However, I also mean that by supporting a brother's mission to do free auto repairs for widows and single moms, we are participating. By raising funds for a Youth Camp trip, we are participating. Whatever is accomplished for the brethren, giving time or money, raising awareness, providing hospitality, all of that support makes us fellow workers. It's noteworthy that John specifically says, "especially when they are strangers;" I think that takes the love-factor up a notch. It's easier to support a brother or sister we know well. Supporting a stranger, although he or she is in Christ with us, does take more faith and trust, sacrifice and love, and that glorifies God all the more.

A) Like so many passages of the New Testament that are instructive, the only way to apply this passage is indeed to do it. The most convicting portion of this passage, is certainly the command to "send them on their way in a manner worthy of God." To be clear, a ministry is not always "on its way" somewhere. Sometimes it's very much local, resident, or longstanding. The real point is that I should support my brothers and sisters in a way that is worthy of God. That means I will view their ministry as my ministry, seeking to help them serve God however I can, and by doing so, I will also be serving God. A lot of times, it can feel a little vague - what it is that God is "calling" us to do. However, many times it may be as simple as supporting others in causes and missions that they are already doing.

P) Father, thank You for the support I have received from the brethren, when I have been seeking to do work for You and they have seen it as opportunity to join me. As I approach this new phase of my life, being here in Montana, I don't want to wait around with nothing to do. How, exactly, my family and I will serve You is not yet clear. However, in the meantime I want to invest myself in the work of brothers and sisters who are already here and doing things for the Name. Help me to see the ministering work of others as opportunity for me to be a fellow worker, at least in supporting their work - whether it's financial, hospitable, volunteering, or otherwise. As we seek to build others up for Your glory, I pray that You do reveal to me and to Kristin, unified in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, what kind of ministry we should take up in Your name. I want to serve You, Lord. I am in fact Your servant. Use me however You wish, Lord. Until I have a clear understanding of what that is, help me to be diligent and faithful, supporting my brothers and sisters in their calling, as they already know. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 08/22/2016; 1 John 3:1

Today's reading: Jeremiah 28, 29, 30; 1 John 3

S) "¹ See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him."

1 John 3:1 (NASB)

O) John was called the disciple whom Jesus loved, or the beloved disciple, and it's no wonder that so much of his letters focuses on the love of Christ. He really understood the reality of the love of God. To be sure, this is a wonderful promise! It is wondrous, the love God has for us. John himself, wrote the words that God loved the world so much, He sent His only Son to die for us. For a long time, I held a particular appreciation that I am saved, since I was not Jewish, but even the Jews didn't consider themselves sons of God, but sons of Abraham. This is more, though. Being a son of God is the assertion Jesus made, which goes beyond being of Israel. In Christ, we are made fellow heirs of the promises in Christ. He is the firstborn, and we are made His brethren. That is so great a love! That is why John finishes that verse with a reminder, a warning of sorts, that the world didn't know Christ, so they won't know us.

A) As great a promise as this is, and that itself cannot really be overstated, I also noticed that this is in part, an instruction. John says, "See..." Like so many songs from Kids Praise, Psalty the singing psalm book taught me this verse in the KJV. In that song/version, the word is translated "Behold..." I think that word especially, conveys that this is an imperative statement. I need to see it, to set my eyes on it, to behold it. God loves me so, so much, that He has made me His son. How great a love, indeed.

P) Father, my words will never correctly thank You for so great a love. In a way, I know that even that inability is a testament to Your grace. Even if I had the comprehension to fully see this grace, and even if I had the perfect words, it still wouldn't be enough to thank You. The only response, is that I would completely submit my life to You. Help me keep this beautiful promise in mind today. Let me heed the imperative word of John, that I would see the truth of Your love, that I would behold it, that I would keep my eyes focused on the reality, power, and purpose of Your love, in all the grace You have given it. Thank You, Father God. When the world turns against me, let me remember that they were first against Jesus. If I am treated like Him, then I am all the more thankful to walk as He walked, and suffer as He suffered, as long as You are glorified as He glorified You. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 08/21/2016; 1 John 2:28

Today's reading: Jeremiah 21, 24, 27; Psalm 118; 1 John 2

S) "²⁸ Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming."

1 John 2:28 (NASB)

O) This chapter is a little tough, as John is admonishing the church to overcome, and walk in obedience, and love, and abide in Christ, and not love the world. He uses some strong language throughout, and puts things in very simple but hard and fast contrast. In the end, though, he brings it back to a great encouragement. As Christians, we shouldn't be worried about our standing with God, if we really understand His grace through Jesus. So long as we abide in Christ, we will look forward to His return without any hesitation or dismay. The key, though, is abiding in Him. That phrase is a call back to vv.5-6, when John tells us we can know if we are in Christ, if we walk like Christ. That is, after all, what it means to be His disciple.

A) I really think God wants us to stand before Him with confidence. To be clear, this cannot be arrogance. God clearly opposes the proud. However, when we are in a right relationship with Him, when we are humbly submitted to His sovereignty, I think He wants us to have confidence as His children. Our confidence before Him is based on Christ, who had every perfect reason for confidence. If we are like Him, that is, if we are submitted to a life of following Jesus and seeking to be like Him, and when we are raised at the last coming, we will be like Him, then we share in a confidence now, knowing that we are fellow heirs with Christ, and justified before the Father, and loved by God. I want to walk with that confidence until His second coming. I want to approach the throne of grace with confidence. It can even go beyond (or before that?), because my confidence in who God has made me, and why He has given me the talents and gifts I have, and understanding I live for Him in all that I do, that gives me a confidence for my work, parenting, ministry, relationships - it touches everything. But here is the real crux: that confidence must glorify Jesus Christ. If it doesn't glorify my Lord, then it's not confidence in Him, or in me abiding in Him, but something else, something unjustified, ungodly. So, this is then a sort of a humble confidence.

P) Father, thank You for the grace and mercy I have in Jesus Christ. Thank You for drawing me to Him, that I may have a restored and right relationship with You, as I abide in Him. Let my confidence in Jesus, and in the cross, be a light that attracts others to what I have in You. Let this shine as a light, that my confidence doesn't come from some esoteric belief in myself, but it comes from a very real, very evident belief in Jesus Christ the risen King. I look forward to the day I stand before You, in the fullness of the glory of Christ, when I am finally abiding in Him perfectly and eternally. Until then, let me focus on walking as He walked, with all the confidence that brings, all to Your glory. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 08/20/2016; 1 John 1:9

Today's reading: Jeremiah 48, 49; Psalm 67; 1 John 1

S) "⁹ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

1 John 1:9 (NASB)

O) In the verse immediately before this, and immediately after this, John uses the phrase, "If we say," similar to the way the verse above starts, "If we confess..." All three of these verses are very closely linked, but I highlighted only this verse, because it carries with it the clear instruction. In all three verses, the first thing to do, is to identify who "we" are, as John identifies them. He uses the word "we" throughout this first chapter, and it's even in the very first verse. He identifies that "we" are the ones who have heard, and seen, and touched Jesus (understanding that John identifies Jesus as the Word of God made flesh in John 1, or in this case, the Word of Life made manifest). Three times he says "we proclaim" or, "we announce" and all three times he says, "to you," and he says, "we write," The reason it is so important to see all of these instances, is that when we get down to vv.8-10, it makes it clear that the "we" he means is Christians! In fact, it could even be understood, that the "we" he means, is actually the apostles themselves! So, it's understood to be a much more powerful statement in v.8 and 10, seeing that the apostles still have sinned in their past, and had sin as a present struggle or affliction, if we can call it that. The reason it's so important, is because in the middle of those verses, John says, "If we confess," and he means Christians, the disciples of Jesus, even the apostles themselves. We must understand what confess means, too. To confess really means, to tell it like it really is. Specific to our submission to God, to confess is to plainly describe something like God would describe it. "Con-" meaning "with or like" and "-fess" meaning tell. So, we are telling it like or with someone, and that someone is God, who knows and speaks and reveals all truth. Now, John uses a present tense form of that verb. He does not say, "Since we confessed," as if it was a one-and-done occurrence. He means that it is something Christians still do, even after they have heard, and seen, and touched Jesus, and believed on Him, and wrote to the churches planted all around the known world. They had sinned, and they have sin, and if they confess their sins, the rest of the promise comes to pass. Confession is not meant to be a one time occurrence, but a lifestyle of truth-telling, and in this case, about our sins. The reality is that sin persists in the life of a believer, even after they have put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Even after they have planted churches and pastured thousands of Christians. But, the beauty is that Jesus died once for all. He was raised and sits at the right hand of the Father, and still makes intercession on our behalf. That is why God is righteous (or justified, or just) to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from unrighteousness. It is because our debt has been paid, and Jesus was the propitiation, the atonement, the ransom for our sins.

A) Confession is hard. How's that for confession? I confess that it's hard to confess. It shouldn't be, but it is. Setting aside all of the lies and fears that come with confession to other people (see James 5:16), at times it's difficult to confess my sins to God, to vocalize, acknowledge, and look at my mistakes. It's hard to admit that I still need the mercy of Christ. The blood of Jesus is still something I need to cleanse me. Part of it, I think, is because I want to be perfect. I want to be mature enough to not fall for the same temptations I have in the past. I want to be disciplined enough to do the right thing every time. There's a part of me that feels like I should have arrived by now. But the reality is, I won't arrive until I'm dead. I won't arrive until the glory of Christ is manifested in my resurrection with Him. But, after I've sinned with something I really hate, the lie comes. The lie is usually something like, "I know what I did, and God knows what I did, and I'm sorry, and He knows it. So, why do we need to talk about it?" (we, meaning me and God).  The reality is, confessing to God brings cleansing and justification before Him. The truth is, when I confess to Him, and He cleanses me, it's more than just a legal justification, it's a restored relationship. When I've sinned, I feel the separation from Him. I can sense the wedge between us, the wedge of my actions, and I begin to miss Him of that separation persists. When I confess and He cleanses, He brings me back into His fold. I usually cry, and I grieve my mistakes, and then He comforts me. The more I remember His grace, His promise of mercy, His character as my compassionate Father God, who is full of lovingkindness, the quicker I'll confess my sins, to be drawn close to Him again. I don't confess because I "have to confess," but genuinely because I get to confess. I am blessed to lay it bare before Him, and allow Him to mend my brokenness again.

P) Father, thank You for the dependable, unchanging character You have. Thank You for the lovingkindness and compassion You keep for Your children. Thank You for restoring me, even today, when I confess my sins and You forgive me. Let me be quicker the next time; we both know there will be a next time. I want to spend as little time apart from You, as I can ever manage. Let me be quick to repent and confess, and remember the sweetness of Your forgiveness and comfort. Thank You for being such a good Father to me, so undeserving that I am. Thank You for Your faithfulness. Be glorified in me, that I would honor Yoyr name with a life of repentance and confession. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 08/13/2016; John 15:20

Today's reading: Jeremiah 13, 14, 15; John 15

S) "²⁰ Remember the word that I said to you, 'A slave is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also."

John 15:20 (NASB)

O) Jesus was in the middle of a warning, that was also an encouragement. He was reminding the disciples that, if they are truly His and therefore like Him, the world will hate them, too. This in itself is a warning that continuing in His name would bring persecution. However, in this same passage He again promises the Holy Spirit to them, but also just in the verse above, He is assuring the apostles that their persecution for His sake is a sign that they are His, that they are unified with Him. If they are really His followers, the world will treat them like they treated Jesus.

A) To be clear, this warning still applies to millions of Christians very directly, whose faith in Jesus Christ puts them in harm's way. That's not the case in my country (and I thank God for that), although the culture has certainly turned from where it was, even just when I was a kid 25 years ago. I'll take some comfort in knowing that doing the right thing isn't going to be popular with the world, but if it's what Jesus would do, then it's popular with Him and I am in the same company as the apostles of Jesus. Remembering this warning is good, however, there is one more applicable part to this verse. The last line of the verse is still primarily about the world that hates Jesus, but it has a sort of inverted instruction in it. That is to say, Jesus is saying that if I want to keep His words (obey, respect, and honor His words), then I must also keep the words of His apostles. This is further evidence that the writings of the New Testament, beyond just the gospels, is authoritative.

P) Father, holy and great is Your name. You are my Protector, my Healer, my Provider, and my God. I want to worship, honor, and praise You better, God. I want to glorify You with my whole being, more consistently. I confess that I am still prone to distraction and self-worship. Help me do a better job keeping all of Your word, Lord. Help me keep the words of the Bible in mind, the instructions, the warnings, the displays of who You are. Let me focus myself more on You, even while I am doing other things. Help me to be mindful of You. Please forgive me for my sins, and let my repentance glorify Your mercy and grace. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 08/12/2016; John 14:15

Today's reading: Jeremiah 10, 11, 12; John 14

S) "¹⁵ If you love Me, you will keep My commandments."

John 14:15 (NASB)

O) After further asserting His unity with the Father, Jesus transitions into an encouraging explanation of the coming Holy Spirit. Intertwined in these two topics, He also reminds them to remain faithful and obedient to His teaching. This is blended with these topics because His authority is in His oneness with the Father, and because the Holy Spirit will lead them and remind them of all Jesus said. The most clear statement He makes, which isn't even compromised if taken out of context, is the verse above. We must remember, in reading this verse, that love is not simply an emotional response, or a feeling (although that can propel us to love), it is a decision to act, to do, to be. Love looks like a lot of different things, depending on the person we are trying to love. In the case of Christ, He has no needs for us to meet, He has no deficiency for us to fill. So going beyond adoration or affinity, our love for Christ means we should be obedient to Him, and keep His commandments (v.21) and word (v.23).

A) Yesterday, I talked about how I want to love my wife like Jesus loves her, not just like I love myself. Today, it's almost an inverse concept. I want to love Jesus, not as I love my wife, or as I love myself, or even as Jesus loves me. I want to love Him the way He wants me to love Him. In both cases, it's really a matter of submitting to the definition of love according to Christ, and with respect to the person I am loving. There will certainly be times I fail to love Christ, according to His definition. This is the same as me sometimes failing to love my wife according to His definition. However, just like a bad day doesn't mean I don't love my wife, a bad day doesn't mean I don't love Christ. The question is my over all concern, the posture of my heart, the lifestyle I keep in general. On any given day, I strive to love my wife as Jesus loves the church, and I strive to love Him by keeping His commands.

P) Father, thank You for the gospel. Thank You for Your sovereignty and grace, Your plan for redemption. Thank You for opening my eyes and ears. I want to love more accurately, Lord. I want to love Jesus like He wants me to... and my wife like He does. Let me be more dedicated to this today, than I was yesterday, and more tomorrow than I am today. Let Your will be done in me, that I might give You the love You desire, the love You deserve, and the love You define. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 08/11/2016; John 13:34-35

Today's reading: Jeremiah 7, 8, 9; John 13

S) "³⁴ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. ³⁵ By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

John 13:34-35 (NASB)

O) When Jesus was asked which commandment was the greatest of the Law, He replied that it was to love the LORD with all that we are. Then He said the second was like it, to love our neighbor as ourselves. As famous as it is that Jesus said this (even the world will quote the second part as the "Golden Rule," Those were not at all new commandments (although Jesus clarified the broader definition of neighbor). However, here in the upper room, during the Passover before His crucifixion, He does give a new commandment. It's new, primarily, because the world had never seen an example of love like that which Jesus had for His disciples. Put simply, Jesus is better at loving us, than we are at loving ourselves. This is how the world will know that we are His disciples, if we love each other, not just as we love us, but as Jesus loves us.

A) The real focus here, is for me to be like Jesus. The first place my mind went with this verse, in applying it to my life, was the passage in Ephesians, where husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loves the church. I don't want to just love Kristin as I love myself, I want to love Kristin as Jesus loves Kristin. The same is true for my children. The same is true for my extended family, or my friends, or brothers and sisters in the body of Christ, or even strangers and enemies. The focus here, is to strive to see others the way Jesus sees them. That's what it means to be a disciple, anyway. I want to emulate the manners, discipline, behaviors, habits, practices, and lifestyle of my Master. In order to do that, I must study the way He loves, the way He walked and talked. I must know His heart for people. In order to do that, I must be attentive when I read my Bible. It's not enough to just read it by routine. I must approach it with intent. A perfect example is in this same chapter. Jesus spoke these words just after He had washed the feet of His disciples. And, it's notable that there is no mention He avoided the feet of Judas Iscariot. I must love, even those who betray me, like Jesus did (understanding that there are still boundaries and issues of trust). That's certainly not always easy, but if I am already submitting myself as is disciple, then it's not up to me anymore.

P) Father, Your love for me is really beyond my comprehension. However, there is a great deal about it that I can still apprehend from Scripture, and some I can even comprehend from my love for my children. But, I want to know it more because I want to be a better disciple of Jesus. You are holy, and so I want to make myself holy, devoted and separated for Your purposes and not my own. Open my eyes and ears, that I may better follow the guiding of the Holy Spirit. Help me to be sensitive to His lead, and also give me the strength and will to heed those convictions, and not just recognize them. Let Your will be done, not mine, as I try to focus more and more on loving others as Jesus loves them, and not simply as I love myself. Thank You, Lord, that Jesus is better at loving me than I am at loving myself. That has never been so clear, as it is shown in the truth and reality of the cross. Let me be vocal about my need for the gospel, and plainly tell people that Jesus is better at loving them, than they are at loving themselves. Let me teach that to my kids, and encourage my wife with it. I pray that when others hear me call myself a Christian, that it resonates within them, because they see the love of Jesus through me. All this to Your glory alone. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 08/08/2016; John 10:41

Today's reading: Jeremiah 1, 2; John 10

S) "⁴¹ Many came to Him and were saying, 'While John performed no sign, yet everything John said about this man was true.'"

John 10:41 (NASB)

O) This is a brief comment about John the Baptist and Jesus, but there is a point it makes in passing, that caught my attention. This came after Jesus was asserting His deity pretty clearly. By the end of it, the Pharisees were ready to stone Him again. Jesus fled beyond the Jordan, to a place where John the Baptist had started his work. By this time, he had almost certainly already been arrested and executed (Matthew 14 has his death, then feed I the 5,000, then Jesus walking on the water. John records those second two events in chapter 6). Before his death, Jesus called John the Baptist, a prophet and more than a prophet (Matthew 11:9), and said there has never been anyone greater (Matthew 11:11). And yet, in the verses above, the people around whom he did the most work, never saw him perform any miracles. Moses was a prophet with whom there were many signs. Elijah performed signs, and then Elisha even more, but Jesus said they were not greater than John the Baptist. Yet, he performed no signs. There are certainly other places where Jesus warned against seeking signs, but this is an interesting note that signs and wonders, miracles like those, they aren't worth much in the kingdom of God. What made John the Baptist great, was his confession of Christ. He was the forerunner to the Messiah, and he boldly spoke truth about sin and the need to repent. No signs of supernatural power are needed for that.

A) To be very clear, I absolutely believe in the miraculous. I believe in the gifts of the Spirit, including praying in tongues, prophecy, and physical healing. When I was a teenager, attending a Pentecostal church, that was my first exposure to the supernatural things of God, firsthand. Because of its newness to me, and because it amazed me, I often desired more of it. I see now, that it was an immature view of God and His ways. Of course I still pray for miracles. I lay hands on the sick, when given the opportunity. I pray in the face of disaster or emergency. All the while knowing, that God can use me to do a miracle. However, I have come to understand that there are much more important works to be done, than signs and wonders. I confess that it is already miraculous, that I have compassion for others (this is not at all who I was before submitting myself to Christ). So, it is already a miracle if I give money to a poor man. It is already a miracle, if I stop to change an old lady's tire on the side of the road. God has humbled me enough to know that I don't want to be someone great. I just want to be an obedient, faithful servant. If I proclaim the truth about who Jesus is, and I am living a life of repentance from sin, and I am willing to do what God is asking me to do (the practical, tangible works He has prepared for me, according to Ephesians 2:10), then I will be glad and hope to hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master."

P) Father, thank You for the grace at work in me, for making me the man I am today. I confess, that too often I have areas in my life that are not fully submitted to You. I am not always willing to let go of my own selfish desires. But, I thank You that Your grace is bigger than my failures. please continue to work in me, that I would be more and more like Jesus Christ, who was fully and totally obedient to You, Father God. Let me be found a humble servant, who only seeks to obey what You are asking me to do, and that I am never seeking to be someone great, who does awesome things. I only want for You to be glorified, Lord. I confess that too often, I am trying to be a glory thief. Let me rest in the truth, that You don't need me to be a miracle worker, You just need me to be a worker, in whom You have already done miracles. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 08/06/2016; John 8:56-59

Today's reading: Habakkuk 1, 2, 3; John 8

S) "⁵⁶ 'Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.' ⁵⁷ So the Jews said to Him, 'You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?' ⁵⁸ Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.' ⁵⁹ Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus his himself and went out of the temple."

John 8:56-59 (NASB)

O) Jesus was arguing with the Pharisees, because he told them they were slaves. They appealed to Abraham as their father, and said they (that is, their generation), hadn't been slaves to anyone. After Jesus told them they were slaves to sin, He went on to dismantle their argument that Abraham was their father (instead revealing the devil as their father, since they were enrapt by the world). Jesus said points out that as children, we act like our father (Jesus acted like God, and the Pharisees like the devil, not like Abraham). To put the final nail in place, Jesus remembers and recounts the joy Abraham had at seeing Him (see Genesis 18). After their outburst of incredulity, Jesus drops the final bombshell, when He tells them He existed before Abraham. However, not to be missed, is the wording He used to tell them, saying "I am." That must have drawn their minds, like it did mine, to the definition of YHWH (usually rendered LORD), being a form of saying, "I am." Also, Jesus was asserting His preeminence over Judaism, because He was before Abraham, who was the foremost forefather of the Jewish faith. Also not to be missed, after his mic-drop moment, Jesus fled.

A) First, this story should be remembered as more evidence that Jesus is God, and that He plainly claimed to be God. Naysayers will sometimes try to pretend these were claims that religious propagaters tried to project on Him later. Obviously, this story tells us differently. But, perhaps the most notable thing about this story, as an application to my life, is the way that Jesus stood His ground to speak the truth, up to a point. Eventually, He left the argument. Not only did He leave, but He hid Himself and fled. Obviously, that was because His time had not yet come (see v.20). More than that, though, I think this is another example that we aren't always supposed to fight. We aren't always supposed to stand our ground, to die defending a hill, even one so doctrinally important as Jesus being God. Like my Lord, the most important thing is for me to focus on obedience, and relying on the Holy Spirit to lead me in His timing for such things.

P) Father, I confess the preeminence of Jesus, my Lord. He existed before all, and through Hin, all things came into being, just as the Scripture says. I confess that His pre-existence means no religion is truly older than Christianity, in this way. Let me hold fast to these truths, the truth of the Bible, in the face of any argument. Let me be bold enough to speak Your truth, no matter who is opposing it. At the same time, lead me in all things. Help me be sensitive enough to the Holy Spirit, that I would know when to fight, and when to flee. I only want Your will to be done, so use me how and when, as You please. I am Your servant. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 07/29/2016; 2 Peter 3:15-16

Today's reading: Isaiah 57, 58, 59; Psalm 103; 2 Peter 3

S) "¹⁵ and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, ¹⁶ as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction."

2 Peter 3:15-16 (NASB)

O) There are a few things going on with this passage. For one thing, context is showing us that Peter is again warning against false teaching. This time, he's addressing concerns about when exactly Jess will return. He advises us in the previous verse, that if we're looking forward to a reconciliation with Christ, and the new heavens and new earth, then we should be living a holy life. There is no delay with God, only His patience with humanity, for the sake of salvation (that's where we come in with thee passage above). Next, we see Peter affirming the teachings of Paul, while also warning against those who distort his teaching because it is apparently too difficult for them. This is then, both a warning about those who might deceive us (see also v.17), and a warning not to be one of the untaught and unstable. Part 2b of this, if we could call it that, is the possibility that Peter is even asserting that the letters Paul wrote are themselves Scripture. That is, that they have the same weight, status, or authority as the Old Testament, itself being God-breathed (see 2 Timothy 3:16). This last point could certainly be contested, but it is certainly a notable possibility.

A) The last observation might have the least application. It's no hill to die on. For years, I simply took it for granted that the Nee Testament was as God-breathed as the Old Testament, although the term "Scripture" used in the NT is never self-referential. Because the NT carries the authority of the apostles of Jesus, who themselves carry His authority, they are no less authoritative. This is really a semantic argument, and because of my personality, I must be careful not to be too distracted by such a thing. The much more important part, is that Peter is warning me to be holy as I wait for the return of my Lord (just as Jesus taught). He is warning me that some of the Bible is difficult to understand, and I must gain education about it (although it doesn't need to be of a formal type), and I must not be an unstable man. That term, "unstable," only appears a few places in the Bible. James warned that a man who doubts is double-minded and unstable, being tossed about by winds. That calls to mind the warning Jesus gave, that He must be my foundation, if I am to withstand the storms of life. The more I am standing firmly on Him as my foundation, the stronger my faith, the better I will understand Scripture (both OT and NT). This is really another example of the wholistic nature of my faith in Christ. It really must encompass every part of my life, of my thinking, of my practices. The more I am completely His, the more I am found in Him, the more strength and security I have.

P) Father, thank You for the Scriptures. Thank You for preserving and providing the recorded words of the prophets and apostles of Jesus. Thank You for confirming for us, Your will and words, that I may know You better. Thank You for Your Spirit, to increase my understanding of who You are, and who I am to be in Christ. Help me to be careful with Your word, God. Let me approach it humbly. Help me to not be distracted by petty arguments or debates about semantics. Let Your word feed my soul. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 07/24/2016; 1 Peter 3:15

Today's reading: Isaiah 40, 41, 42; 1 Peter 3

S) "¹⁵ but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;"

1 Peter 3:15 (NASB)

O) Many times, I have heard this verse quoted, but seldom have I heard it quoted entirely. Certainly, we should always be ready to give an account, to give our testimony, about what Christ has done for us and why we have hope. However, it is even more important that Christ is sanctified as Lord in our hearts. That is foundational, it is what will give us the hope in the first place, and it is what will prompt us to follow through on the last words of this command, as well. The gentleness and reverence mentioned, are actually tied to the choice of wording, using "give an account," to describe this testimony. In the context, Peter is talking about suffering persecution for doing what is right. He goes on to say that's it's even better to suffer for doing what is right, than for doing wrong, because it glorified God all the more. In the same way, it is our hope in the midst of such persecution, that will truly reveal just how true our faith is, and reveal Christ as Lord to others.

A) Bullies don't like it when their intimidation fails. In fact, the last couple days of reading, I just saw how Sennacherib, king of Assyria, came against Hezekiah in Judah. When his general, Rabshakeh, laid siege to Jerusalem, he tried to intimidate God's people. They had only recently returned to the LORD, under Hezekiah's reforms. When the threats didn't immediately work, the general asked why they thought they could resist. That is exactly the kind of picture Peter is describing. The call to give an account for our hope, with gentleness and reverence - for our persecutors - is about God taking a dire circumstance and turning it for His glory, just as He did through Hezekiah, Isaiah, and Jerusalem. So, I should certainly be ready to share my testimony with a stranger, if they show some interest in what makes me who I am. However, more importantly, I need to be sure I have exalted Christ as Lord in my heart, because there will be persecution. In those moments, when my faith is attacked, I had better be sure I know how to respectfully, gently, respond to detractors. The question that must always be at the forefront of my mind, is to wonder what will glorify my Lord the most. My words, and my attitude, must be in line with His will, especially when an opponent to the gospel is trying to tear me down.

P) Father, You are holy. You are sovereign, and I lay down my rebellion in submission to You as Lord, Christ. I raise the white flag of surrender. I know who I am, when I rebel against You, destined for destruction. I know who I have become in Christ, given life. In Christ, I have begun to understand Your love for me, and I have begun to understand just how deeply my love for You moves me to a life of submission to You, Lord. Give me wisdom and grace, Lord God, that in the face of any opposition, I may have both the words and attitude to best honor You as Lord in my heart, that You would receive all glory on earth as You do in heaven. If my testimony would ever be part of a person submitting themselves to Christ as Lord, then I am blessed to play a part. But, if my testimony never does, I pray that every time I speak it, every time I tell the reason for my hope in You, that You would be glorified in the utmost. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 07/21/2016; James 5:19-20

Today's reading: 2 Kings 18, 19; 2 Chronicles 32; James 5

S) "¹⁹ My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, ²⁰ let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins."

James 5:19-20 (NASB)

O) In the closing of his letter, James goes through warning about the misuse of wealth, patience and enduring suffering, honesty, prayer and confession, and the effect of faith in God. After all that, the above two verses end this book. There is something to be said for final words, and I don't think it's only coincidence that James ended his letter this way. These words have some pretty deep implications that harken us back to chapter 2, when James reminded us that faith and works must be paired together. To be clear, although James is certainly showing us that we have a role in the salvation of others, I do not think he is under any illusion that it is our power which saves people. Even in his statement, "and one turns him back," we must understand that the one who strayed is coming back to the truth, coming back to Jesus Christ. That is his salvation. But, just as Paul also said, "How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard?" (Romans 10:14-15). Like many areas of life, relationship, and truth, we tend to want to simplify complex issues. The reality is that how a person comes to a saving faith in Jesus Christ is complicated. We will never know the extent to which any one person might have a role. Certainly, it is God alone who softens hearts. Certainly, it is God alone who opens the eyes and ears of the spiritually blind and deaf. And just as plainly as the Bible reveals those things to us, it also reveals that we have a part to play in turning other people toward their Creator.

A) There are times when I feel a lot of pressure to "get people saved" (specific people, usually). That is a burden that I do not think Scripture lays on my shoulders. Much more often, that seems like an attack from the accuser of the brethren. Still, I know that I have to be more bold with speaking the truth. Over the last year, especially, I think I have become more bold than ever before. Obviously, I want to keep that going and every passing year I should be more bold, more confident in Christ, more sure of the faith within me. This passage, though, I find particularly encouraging. A lot of times, I don't exactly feel a calling to evangelism, per se. However, I often feel a draw toward people who already know the gospel, but maybe have stopped believing for one reason or another. It's worth noting that this passage shows us that there are people who have had the truth, and their souls are in danger of death, unless they return to the truth. Again, how exactly a person is saved, or when exactly they have strayed too far from the truth, these are complicated, complex, probably unknowable things. I will leave that kind of discernment, that kind of judgment, to the only One who perfectly judges. Some of my feeling called to this kind of group of people, might have to do with the culture in which I live, because so many here have some understanding of the gospel (although it's less and less common). Maybe it's because I have such a desire to teach, and that's always easier when there are certain truths that are already common ground. Whatever the case, I want to be used by God to reach whomever He wishes that I reach with the truth. I know that it's not up to me to make people believe, but I do need to be ready to show them the way back to God. I need to be prepared, and willing, to help people connect with the truth. .

P) Father, thank You for opening my eyes to see the truth. Thank You for softening my heart, and opening my ears, to hear the call of the Holy Spirit, drawing me back into relationship with You, Lord God. You are so patient, and full of lovingkindness. I know that You are the only one in position to see the hearts of people. Let me humbly lay aside any notion that I know who needs to be saved and when, or that I know who's souls are in danger. Instead, let me focus on obedience. Let me focus on following Your lead, as the Holy Spirit prompts me to speak truth into someone's life. Help me to be more and more bold with each passing day, with each opportunity. Remind and encourage me, that it is not up to my abilities to save someone, it is not by my power or persuasive speech that a person believes, but I do still have an obligation, and a privilege, to share the truth. Let me continue to cling to the blood of Christ and the power of my testimony, to move from victory to victory, for the glory of Your name. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.